The Dow Jones industrial average lost 36 points, or 0.2 percent, to 20,846. The Nasdaq composite fell 21 points, or 0.4 percent, to 5,854.

More stocks fell than rose on the New York Stock Exchange. Bond prices rose. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 2.61 percent.

Global stocks drifted lower on Tuesday as investors looked to the Federal Reserve's policy meeting for an expected interest rate increase and hints on future hikes. Britain's pound fell after the country's parliament cleared the way for Britain to start its exit process from the European Union.